Commissioners to seek amendments to parenting-time bill amid domestic-violence and legal concerns

Adams County staff and commissioners agreed to pursue amendments to Senate Bill 73, a measure that would allow courts to order additional parenting time when a parent's time was wrongfully denied as a result of an investigation and there was not a substantial finding of abuse or neglect.

Staff explained constitutional and legal concerns with the bill's two‑year time window and the statutory threshold of a "substantial finding," warning that the absence of a substantial finding does not necessarily mean there were no safety issues. Commissioners and staff flagged domestic-violence risks if parenting time is restored without robust screening and safeguards; advocates such as the Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Violence Free Colorado were cited as stakeholders with reservations.

Staff described several amendment packages being considered from Weld and Denver counties that would add adjudication steps after an initial finding, require that courts consider the best interest of the child and add structure for recouping parenting time where appropriate. Commissioners supported shifting to an 'amend' position to work with sponsors and stakeholders to add clearer safeguards and statutory structure.

One commissioner said the bill "has a lot of work to do" and another cautioned that without amendments it could return parenting time to parents who may pose risks to children or partners. The board directed staff to engage with partners and prepare suggested amendments for committee review.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with partner counties and justice stakeholders to draft or support amendments and return to the commission with recommended language.